Ahoy! Do you know these nautical rules of the road?

Those of us lucky enough to own boats probably don't spend the majority
of our time on the water. That general lack of familiarity and experience is why when you do set out in a
watercraft — whether for fishing, swimming, water skiing, or just cruising — it's extremely important to
familiarize yourself with the rules, requirements, and recommendations of boating safety.

The following tips and guidelines are compiled from state and national
boating safety organizations, including the U.S.
Coast Guard.

The easiest boating safety tip: wear a life jacket

Statistics show that most boating fatality victims weren't wearing a personal flotation device (PFD) and that 9 out of 10 of those water deaths might
have been prevented with a PFD. A life jacket should be available for each person aboard and be worn or
properly stowed. Jackets should fit snugly and be the appropriate size — remember that adult jackets will
not work for children. Check the PFD laws in your state, and test your jackets once a year for leaks and
buoyancy.

Other potentially life-saving tips

Dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature. Hunters and fishermen
boating during colder-weather months should remember that cold water can kill.

If you can't swim, take lessons. Even a few rudimentary lessons could someday mean the
difference between living and drowning.

If your boat capsizes, stay with it. Not only will it provide floatation assistance,
but it's easier for rescuers to spot.

Keep a clear head

Be aware of carbon monoxide. All internal combustion
engines produce carbon
monoxide , an odorless, colorless, and poisonous gas. Poor cabin ventilation, blocked exhaust
outlets, and faulty equipment can contribute to the problem, but carbon monoxide emissions can affect the
boat's swim platform and other areas near the engine. Be especially careful when moving slowly, idling, or
stopped, and when you're near another boat's engine emissions. Install carbon monoxide detectors on your
boat and be aware of the early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, such as headaches, nausea, weakness,
and irritated eyes — that means staying alert for symptoms that might initially seem like simple
seasickness or intoxication.

Speaking of intoxication, don't drink and boat. The
use of alcohol is involved in about a third of all recreational boating fatalities , according to the U.S. Coast Guard. Boating under
the influence (BUI or BWI) is as serious a legal offense as driving while intoxicated. Additionally, the
detrimental physical effects of drinking while boating can be even more severe — the motion, noise, sun,
wind, and spray on the water is more exhausting than usual, accelerating the intoxicating effects of
alcohol.

Plan ahead

Know the rules. Before launching your boat , learn the
nautical "rules of the road" by taking a boater safety class. They are a large part of boating safety,
especially when meeting, crossing, or overtaking another boat. Learning the meaning of buoys and other
water markers, maintain a safe speed, and keep a watchful eye on the waters for smooth sailing. Check the
U.S.
Coast Guard Boating Safety Resource Center for approved boating courses.

Leave a float plan. If you're going to be on the water
for a couple hours, make sure someone on land knows where you're going and when you plan to return. If
you're heading out for a longer stretch, leave a written float plan with the marina or a friend that can
aid rescuers in case of an emergency. (You cannot file a float plan with the Coast Guard.) In addition to
the where and when information, your float plan should include identifying details about your boat, a
passenger list, and your boat's safety and survival equipment, including radio information.

Appoint an assistant skipper. Don't be the only person
on your boat who knows how to operate the vessel and where the safety and first aid equipment is stored.
Make sure someone else can get your boat back to shore if you can't.

Take a safety class. Insurance discounts may be
available for approved boating safety courses.

Check the weather. Consult local forecasts before
heading out, especially during hurricane season. If you do run into dark clouds, increasing winds, or
sudden extreme temperature drops while on the water, head back to shore. If you do get caught in a storm,
put the PFDs on and keep everyone low in the boat.

Have communication options. Bring a mobile phone
sealed in a water resistant bag, but don't rely on it completely. Ideally, you should have a VHF marine
radio with DCS (Digital-Coded Squelch) that can give the Coast Guard your position in an emergency.

Use a kill switch lanyard. On power boats and personal
watercrafts, this simple tether between you and the ignition key shuts the engine off if you fall overboard
or lose your balance while driving, reducing the potential for harm to you or others in the water.

Check your equipment and supplies. Take time to go
over the condition of your important safety, signal, and survival gear, including:

Additional clothing, such as warm clothes, a hat, and foul weather gear

Get your boat inspected. If you're unsure of your
boat's condition, get a Vessel Safety Check (VSC). A VSC is a free examination of your boat courtesy of the
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary to verify the presence and condition of all required safety equipment.

Unlike our automobiles, most of us find ourselves on a boat in order to
enjoy some relaxation and recreation. Just don't let your quest for fun on the water make you complacent
about boating safety. Know and follow the rules so that everyone has a good time and gets back to dry land
safe and sound.

State Farm® (including State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates) is not responsible for, and does not endorse or approve, either implicitly or explicitly, the content of any third party sites hyperlinked from this page. State Farm has no discretion to alter, update, or control the content on the hyperlinked, third party site. Access to third party sites is at the user's own risk, is being provided for informational purposes only and is not a solicitation to buy or sell any of the products which may be referenced on such third party sites.

The information in this article was obtained from various sources not associated with State Farm®. While we believe it to be reliable and accurate, we do not warrant the accuracy or reliability of the information. These suggestions are not a complete list of every loss control measure. The information is not intended to replace manuals or instructions provided by the manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional. Nor is it intended to effect coverage under our policy. State Farm makes no guarantees of results from use of this information.